NEWS RELEASE
NORTH SIMCOE ARTS
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Orillia and District Arts Council (ODAC) will now be operating as North Simcoe Arts, a registered charity who is returning to its roots servicing the northern Simcoe region as an arts council.
Through a new three-year strategic plan, a significant milestone in the journey has begun — the rebranding of ODAC to North Simcoe Arts. ODAC has left a legacy that has empowered the organization to evolve and expand their vision. As the organization looks to the future, they are embracing their new identity as North Simcoe Arts, symbolizing their commitment to broader horizons, with a deeper and wider community and regional engagement.
North Simcoe Arts represents a renewed dedication to fostering creativity, supporting culture and arts organizations, facilitating connections among contributors, promoting collaborations within the region, and enriching the cultural landscape of our community. The communities it will be working within are Orillia, Ramara, Midland, Tiny, Tay, Penetanguishene and Severn.
Anitta Hamming shares, “As a strategic consultant, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with North Simcoe Arts over the past year and a half to craft a vision for the future that aligns with their growing role in the regional cultural landscape.
"This three-year strategic plan is a testament to their deep commitment to enhancing arts and culture in our community and the broader region, and it is the culmination of many voices contributing both individually and collectively," said Hamming.
"I am excited to continue supporting them as they move forward in this important growth phase while implementing these key priorities. One of the main priorities is board growth and diversity. With a stronger, more diverse board and a renewed focus on collaboration, I believe North Simcoe Arts is poised to make a lasting impact.”
North Simcoe Arts is pleased to announce the organization’s new mission, vision and values that it will uphold moving forward through this three-year strategic plan. The organization’s mission is to cultivate community by supporting the vibrant creative sector, facilitating connections among contributors, and promoting collaborations within the region. This effort leads to a dynamic and engaged community of artists and art enthusiasts.
With a strong, united creative community working together to enhance the culture in the area that will support a unified arts and cultural environment that offers opportunity, inclusion and community engagement in all art forms.
The organization will be guided by the following values: inclusivity and accessibility, diversity, collaboration, pay equity for artists, and creating opportunities to learn, promote and be involved in the arts.
Mike Bailey, the chair of North Simcoe Arts, says, “Wonderful changes are on the horizon for all artists and art organizations in north Simcoe. You will want to follow our growth impacting the arts and community on our new social media. Being part of the art culture for over 15 years as an artist and on many boards, North Simcoe (Arts) is going to be a game changer.”
A copy of the strategic direction will be made available on the organization’s website that will be launching November 2024. Until then, you can find North Simcoe Arts on Facebook and Instagram at North Simcoe Arts.
For more information regarding North Simcoe Arts, contact Kelsey Nicholls, director of communications, at [email protected].
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